Luke 17:11

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096}, as {G1722} he {G846} went {G4198} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}, that {G2532} he {G846} passed {G1330} through {G1223} the midst {G3319} of Samaria {G4540} and {G2532} Galilee {G1056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On his way to Yerushalayim, Yeshua passed along the border country between Shomron and the Galil.

Berean Standard Bible

While Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, as they were on the way to Jerusalem, that he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:11 serves as a pivotal geographical and narrative transition point within Luke's Gospel, meticulously charting Jesus' purposeful journey towards Jerusalem. This verse not only establishes the immediate setting for the healing of the ten lepers but also subtly underscores the universal scope of Jesus' mission, as He traverses regions marked by deep-seated ethnic and religious divisions, demonstrating His inclusive Kingdom vision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant geographical shift in Luke's narrative, following a series of teachings on faith, forgiveness, and the coming of the Kingdom (Luke 17:1-10). It immediately precedes the well-known account of the healing of the ten lepers (Luke 17:12-19), one of whom is a Samaritan, directly illustrating the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry hinted at by His chosen route. The broader Lukan narrative, from [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Jesus' Resolute Journey to Jerusalem") onward, emphasizes Jesus' resolute journey to Jerusalem, portraying it as a divinely appointed pilgrimage culminating in His Passion and resurrection. Luke 17:11 thus functions as a crucial milestone in this determined progression.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The geographical route described in Luke 17:11—"through the midst of Samaria and Galilee"—is highly significant. Historically, there was profound animosity between Jews and Samaritans, stemming from centuries of religious and ethnic differences, including disputes over the proper place of worship (Mount Gerizim vs. Jerusalem). Jews typically avoided Samaria, often taking a longer, circuitous route through Perea (east of the Jordan River) to bypass Samaritan territory entirely. Jesus' decision to travel through or along the border of these regions was unconventional and culturally provocative, signaling His disregard for human-made barriers and His divine mandate to reach all people. Galilee, Jesus' home region, was predominantly Jewish but also had a significant Gentile population, earning it the moniker "Galilee of the Gentiles."
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Jesus' Universal Mission**, demonstrating His willingness to cross social, ethnic, and religious boundaries to minister to all, as seen in His prior interactions with Samaritans, such as the woman at the well in [John 4:4-42](/john/4-4-42 "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Purpose and Destiny**, as Jesus' journey to Jerusalem is not a casual trip but a deliberate, Spirit-led movement towards the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, a theme emphasized from [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem"). Finally, this geographical setting **Foreshadows Inclusivity and Unexpected Faith**, preparing the reader for the subsequent narrative where a Samaritan, often despised by Jewish society, is the only one of ten lepers to return and give thanks to Jesus ([Luke 17:15-19](/luke/17-15-19 "The Grateful Samaritan Leper")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came to pass (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb, G1096, is a common Lukan idiom ("and it happened that...") indicating an event's occurrence within God's unfolding plan. It signifies that Jesus' journey was not accidental but divinely orchestrated, part of a larger, purposeful sequence of events leading to Jerusalem. The use of this word implies a sense of divine intentionality behind the narrative progression.
* **passed through (Greek, _diérchomai'_):** G1330, meaning "to traverse" or "to go through," precisely describes Jesus' movement. Combined with the preposition `diá` (G1223, "through"), it emphasizes His direct, unhindered passage. This choice of word highlights Jesus' active engagement with the territory, rather than merely skirting it, reinforcing the idea of His deliberate mission to this region.
* **midst (Greek, _mésos'_):** G3319, meaning "middle" or "midst," when combined with `diá` (G1223, "through"), forms the phrase `dia mesou` (διὰ μέσου), which can mean "through the middle of" or "between." This suggests Jesus was either traveling directly through the heart of both regions, or perhaps along the borderlands that separated them, touching both territories. Either interpretation underscores His intentional positioning in a contested and often avoided area, making His presence accessible to both Samaritans and Galileans.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass,"**: This introductory phrase, characteristic of Luke's writing, signals a new development in the narrative. It emphasizes that the subsequent events are not random but part of a divinely ordered sequence, setting the stage for significant encounters and teachings.
* **"as he went to Jerusalem,"**: This clause reiterates the overarching theme of Jesus' determined journey towards the capital city, a motif Luke has highlighted since [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Jesus' Resolute Journey to Jerusalem"). It underscores the divine purpose and ultimate destination of His earthly ministry, which culminates in His Passion, death, and resurrection.
* **"that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee."**: This crucial geographical detail specifies Jesus' route. The phrase "through the midst of" (Greek: `dia mesou`) suggests either a direct passage through the heart of both regions or along the borderland between them. This choice of route is highly significant, as it places Jesus in a region of deep ethnic and religious tension (between Jews and Samaritans) and positions Him to interact with diverse populations, foreshadowing the universal scope of His redemptive work.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 17:11 employs several subtle but powerful literary devices. **Geographical Symbolism** is prominent, as Jesus' chosen route "through the midst of Samaria and Galilee" transcends conventional Jewish travel norms. This deliberate passage through a culturally contentious zone symbolizes Jesus' mission to break down barriers of prejudice and extend the Kingdom to all peoples, including the marginalized Samaritans. It foreshadows the universal reach of the gospel, which is not confined by human divisions. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Narrative Progression**, serving as a precise geographical marker that advances the plot towards Jesus' ultimate destination in Jerusalem, reinforcing the Lukan theme of Jesus' resolute journey to fulfill His divine purpose. The phrasing also contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the immediate subsequent narrative of the healing of the ten lepers, where a Samaritan's unexpected gratitude highlights the inclusive nature of God's grace and the surprising places where true faith is found.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 17:11 is deeply theological, revealing Jesus' divine intentionality and the universal scope of His mission. His deliberate passage through Samaria, a region typically shunned by Jews, underscores His willingness to transcend human-made social, ethnic, and religious barriers. This act prefigures the breaking down of the "dividing wall of hostility" (Ephesians 2:14) between different peoples through His atoning work. It demonstrates that the Kingdom of God is not exclusive to one group but is open to all who respond in faith, regardless of their background. Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, emphasized throughout Luke, is a pilgrimage of obedience to the Father's will, leading to the ultimate act of redemption.

* [John 4:4-42](/john/4-4-42 "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman") - Jesus' earlier interaction with the Samaritan woman demonstrates His active engagement with Samaritans and His disregard for social conventions.
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission: Witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the Ends of the Earth") - The post-resurrection commission for the apostles to be witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" directly echoes Jesus' own geographical trajectory and inclusive mission.
* [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ, Our Peace, Who Has Broken Down the Dividing Wall") - Paul's teaching on Christ's work in breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile provides the theological framework for understanding Jesus' actions in Luke 17:11.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 17:11 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging us to emulate Jesus' boundary-breaking ministry. Just as Jesus intentionally traversed a region of deep-seated animosity, we are called to step out of our comfort zones and engage with those from different backgrounds, cultures, or social strata, especially those who might be marginalized or overlooked by society. This verse reminds us that God's grace is not confined to our preferred circles but extends to all humanity. It encourages us to dismantle our own prejudices and preconceptions, fostering genuine connection and compassion. Furthermore, Jesus' unwavering focus on His journey to Jerusalem, despite the challenging route, inspires us to remain steadfast in our own spiritual pilgrimage, pursuing God's purposes with determination and obedience, even when the path is unconventional or difficult. We are to be people who see beyond superficial differences, recognizing the inherent dignity and value of every individual, and sharing the inclusive love of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Samarias" exist in my own life or community—places, people, or groups I tend to avoid or judge?**
* **How can I intentionally cross social, ethnic, or cultural divides to demonstrate the inclusive love of Christ?**
* **In what ways might I be allowing personal preferences or societal norms to hinder my obedience to God's broader mission?**
* **How does Jesus' purposeful journey to Jerusalem inspire me to remain focused on God's ultimate calling for my life, even amidst challenges?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus travel through Samaria, given the animosity between Jews and Samaritans?**

Answer: Jesus' decision to travel "through the midst of Samaria and Galilee" was highly significant and intentional. While many Jews would take a longer route through Perea to avoid Samaritan territory due to centuries of ethnic and religious animosity, Jesus deliberately chose this path. This demonstrates His universal mission to reach all people, regardless of their background or societal standing. His previous encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well in [John 4:4-42](/john/4-4-42 "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman") also highlights His willingness to break down social barriers and extend grace to those traditionally excluded. His journey through Samaria underscores that the Kingdom of God is open to all who believe, not just a select group.

**What is the significance of "going to Jerusalem" in Luke's Gospel?**

Answer: The journey to Jerusalem is a central and recurring theme in Luke's Gospel, beginning explicitly in [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Jesus' Resolute Journey to Jerusalem") where it states Jesus "steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem." This is not merely a geographical detail but a theological motif emphasizing Jesus' divine purpose and unwavering commitment to fulfilling God's redemptive plan. Jerusalem is the place where He would ultimately suffer, die, and be resurrected, bringing about salvation for humanity. Every step of this journey is portrayed as intentional, leading to His climactic sacrifice and triumph, which is the culmination of His earthly ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 17:11, though seemingly a simple geographical notation, profoundly foreshadows and embodies the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' deliberate passage through Samaria, a region of deep-seated animosity with Jewish people, is a living parable of His ultimate work on the cross. Just as He physically traversed the dividing lines between peoples, so too did He, through His atoning sacrifice, spiritually break down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new man in himself" ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ, Our Peace, Who Has Broken Down the Dividing Wall")). This journey to Jerusalem, emphasized throughout Luke, is the very path of the Suffering Servant, who "set his face like a flint" ([Isaiah 50:7](/isaiah/50-7 "The Suffering Servant's Resolve")) towards the place of His ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah who would suffer for the sins of the world ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "The Suffering and Atoning Work of the Servant")). His inclusive route foreshadows the Great Commission, where His disciples are commanded to be witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission")), demonstrating that the gospel's reach, like Jesus' journey, knows no human-imposed boundaries, but extends to every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, ultimately uniting all in Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 9:51

¶ And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

Luke 9:52

And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

John 4:3

He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

John 4:4

¶ And he must needs go through Samaria.